New convincing NatWest scam that could trick you into handing bank details to fraudsters

The scam adds fake texts into genuine message threads from the bank, making it virtually impossible for customers to spot

By Rob Goodman

11th January 2018, 2:42 pm

Updated: 12th January 2018, 11:36 am

NATWEST customers are being warned not to be fooled by a new sophisticated scam which puts fake texts into genuine message threads.

Action Fraud says it has received a number of reports about the scam - known as smishing - which tries to trick the victim into handing over their bank details.

Action fraud

NatWest customers are the target of the latest scam

Worryingly, the latest scam sees fraudsters using specialist software to alter the sender ID on a message so that it appears to be from NatWest, and is added to an existing chain on the victim's phone.

Brits are being targeted whether they bank with NatWest or not - but if you're a customer you could easily be caught out, especially if you've got a genuine message from the bank already on your phone.

If you click the link, you'll be taken to an exact replica of the NatWest's website, which will then ask you to put in your personal details and bank information, including your PIN numbers and debit card numbers.

The crooks will then use these details to raid your account.

PA:Press Association

NatWest customers could be tricked into handing over their personal and bank details

In some cases, victims have also been called after receiving the message, with fraudsters posing as members of the bank's security team.

One woman had £130 stolen from her account after she ignored the fake text message and was then called by the fraudster, who said she would be sent another text with a six-digit security code.

The text, which was genuine, came through while she was on the phone and the fraudster convinced her to hand it over, who then stole the money using the bank's Get Cash function.

The bank are investigating the fraud.

How to protect yourself from scams

SCAMMERS are becoming increasingly clever to trick customers into transferring them money or giving away their personal information. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

Never give out personal or financial information on the phone or by email. Your bank, the police or any other organisation will never ask you for these in full

Never allow someone remote access to your computer following a cold call

Don’t rely on caller ID – numbers can be spoofed by fraudsters to make it look like they’re calling from a trusted number

Your bank, the police or any other company, will never call to ask you to transfer your money out of your account for security reasons

Be wary of all cold calls claiming to be from banks, police, or other trusted organisations – if you have any concerns, call back on an independently verified number

If you have fallen victim to a scam, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040

A spokesperson for Action Fraud told The Sun Online: "Fraudsters will send you a text message that asks you to reply with your personal or banking details, or to call a premium rate-rate number they have created to run up a large bill.

"This is called smishing - contact like this is designed to convince you to hand over your details or your money.

"Don’t assume anyone who’s sent you a text message is who they say they are. If a text message asks you to make a payment, log in to an online account or offers you a deal, be cautious and report it to Action Fraud online or call 0300 123 2040.”

Fraudsters and crooks are becoming increasingly sophisticated in trying to trick people into giving away their personal information.